LIVESTOCK
World’s 2nd largest is an ideal plot bird
E
mus, although they can
run fast, don't need a
great deal of space, so
are suited to smallholding
conditions.
The emu is the world's
second largest bird ~ only the
ostrich is bigger. They can
reach 1,9m in height.
Females are usually slightly
larger than males and are
substantially wider across the
rump.
The emu is flightless, but its
legs and feet are adapted to
enable it to run fast. When
walking, the emu takes strides
of about 100cm, but at full
gallop a stride can be as long
as 275cm. Its legs are devoid
of feathers and underneath its
feet are thick, cushioned
pads. The birds can reach
speeds of 48 km/h.
There are few predators
capable of attacking an emu.
It has sharp claws on its toes
which are its major defensive
attribute, and are used in
combat to inflict wounds on
opponents by kicking. They
are also able to jump high
when attacked, so are able to
get their heads and necks out
of danger.
This ability will explain why it
has become popular for
smallholders to keep emus to
Ideal smallholding birds
35
www.sasmallholder.co.za
protect flocks of sheep. They
are protective and territorial
and can be aggressive when
threatened. They are not
afraid to approach a predator
and perform different display
signals when they see a
nearby threat.
These signals let you know
Continued on page 37